Republibot Review

Republibot Review13 July,2014admin

Source: www.republibot.com/node/6249

If you’ve never been to a science fiction convention, you really should make a point to attend at least one, because they’re often a whole lot of fun. Part craft bazaar, part costume party, the best are well-run and full of interesting things to see and do. And part of the fun is the spirit of camaraderie that develops when a few hundred weirdos get together to pretend they’re someone (or something) they’re not.

I’ve been to Dragon*Con in Atlanta, which I consider a hugemonguous convention, and I’ve been to first-year startups that had more good intentions than attendees. The one The Husband and I attended Saturday afternoon, in Altoona, PA, was somewhere in between. Sci Fi Valley Con was fairly well-run by a group of cheerful and pleasant young things in bright, matching T-shirts, with nicely printed programs and a rather attractive venue in the Shrine Temple, which was built around the end of the 19th Century to look like a mosque. The Con is only in its third year, but it’s already outgrown this site, and next year will be held at a convention center.

My one criticism, which I’ll get out of the way now, is that they put the merchant booths in a rather cramped space on the auditorium floor in the upstairs hall. This meant continuous congested bottlenecks as people stopped to browse the tables for goodies, which got exponentially worse when the costume contest started. It had been moved to the stage due to it being too hot outside, and so the audience clustered around and brought all movement through the booths to a halt. The spacious lower level, which was also air-conditioned, was where the Artists Alley was located, with vast empty tracts around tables of bored-looking writers and artists hoping to sell their books. When we first entered, we arrived on this level, and I thought “This…is it?” Luckily we ventured upstairs.

Now, the good stuff. The Con fees were reasonable, just $10 a head per day. On display were reproduction movie cars ECTO-1, the 1966 Batmobile, the DeLorean time machine, a jeep from Jurassic Park, and the TARDIS. You can take all the photos you want, but if you would like to pose inside the car, it’s $10. And the owners are happy and accommodating and will take multiple photos with your camera for you. The owners of the DeLorean were dressed up like Doc and Marty, and had other props as well, like the camcorder and the plutonium trunk. The guy who owns the Batmobile said he’d bought it on eBay sight unseen, and had to do extensive restoration work, but she’s a gleaming beauty. The ECTO-1 had green slime dripping off it in places, and was attended by a group of cosplayers dressed like–what else–the Ghostbusters. The Jurassic Park Jeep had a blood-stained sign beside it: “Raptor Free Zone: It Has Been 0 Days Since The Last Incident”

While we were waiting for people to stop popping in and out of the TARDIS, we got talked into posing before a greenscreen and then having our picture Photoshopped into a digital background–in our case, the front hall of Bag End from “The Hobbit.” I was dressed as a vaguely Middle Earthish Ranger, and The Husband was dressed as a safari adventurer, so that backgound seemed to fit–well, better than the sci-fi or the My Little Pony backgrounds would have, in any event. This photo was fairly pricey at $30, but hey, support your local digital artist. It came out pretty well.

The food was a little expensive–$2 for hotdogs on crunchy buns–but most of the merchandise was reasonable. I could not bring myself to try the brains-decorated cupcakes, nor the peanut-butter eyeballs (Apparently, Zombie themed stuff was very popular.) The plain old fudge was pretty good.

I didn’t stay for the costume contest because, as it was held on the stage, it was rather hard to see, and anyway, we had a panel discussion we wanted to attend that conflicted with it. But some of the costumes I spotted on the floor included Jack Sparrow, Godzilla, that blue chick with the tentacle headdress from Clone Wars, Boba Fett, The Invisible Man (this one was clever, he had the coat up over his head, and a hat and sunglasses on wires above the coat’s collar) a number of zombies in different iterations, a lot of anime and gaming characters, a couple of elves and wizards, some catgirls, a single fursuiter (I think every Con is contractually obligated to have a fursuiter), the guy from The Mask, Wonder Woman, some steampunk/alternative history people, and a huge number of people with just a piece of a costume–a weird hat, or a T-shirt, or maybe something dangling from a belt. Interestingly, there was a large number of women present, and several dozen children ranging in age from newborn (in a Superman onesie, can’t start ’em too young) to the borderline between child and grown-up. So the concept that only lonely male geeks attend sci fi cons is a myth.

Not that there weren’t a LOT of the stereotypical male geeks, both the thin and reedy kind with the strident voices and the thick glasses, and the large-and-in-charge kind with the shabby beards and the four-day-old pong of professional cellardwellers. That there was a vendor selling shower units at this convention, right next to a table with some of the ripest conventioneers, was an irony not lost on me.

But the vast, vast, vast majority of the attendees were young families and old kids out to have a fun afternoon playing dress-up. I noted to The Husband that there are several grades of geeks: the first is the single male geek who goes to a convention. The second is the male geek who finds a girl to bring with him. The higherst order is the guy who gets his girl to dress up in a complimentary costume. And there were a lot of these.

The costumes were pretty well made, and some were either really creative, or quite accurate. There was a Tenth Doctor that I would have sworn was David Tennant. There was a Weeping Angel that gave everybody the creeps. I was glad my hubby did not go with the Doctor Who scarf and hat, because there were at least three Fourth Doctors roaming around, one of them female. The plus-sized Harley Quinn I could have done without. What made me laugh was that I got several compliments on my own costume, which I had pretty much thrown together from stuff I had in my closet–I guess it was the hand-made leather jerkin that did it, or maybe the fringed suede boots. On a sad note, I lost a pearl bracelet that my mother-in-law had brought from Hawaii for me; I’ve contacted the Con staff in the off chance someone finds it and turns it in. In any case, I hope whoever finds it, enjoys it. I reason that if I was destined to lose something today, I’d rather it have been the bracelet than, say, my wallet, or camera, or the keys to the car.

There were a number of writers trying to sell their books, and several artists, as well as craftspeople who were selling jewelry, plushies, and little FIMO sculpts. If the Hobbes keychain had been just a tiny bit better made, I’d’ve bought it; I did end up buying a pendant of three tiny brass gears and a silver propeller, because it caught my eye and was pretty. There was a lot of gear-themed jewelry.

A part of most conventions is the gaming tracks, but as I am not a gamer, the only comment I can make about these, is that I saw about fifteen different games going on, and most of them were in inconvenient spots. There were also a number of vendors selling game pieces and game card sets, and the con was going to be holding a Nintendo contest later this evening. I also saw something about lazer tag, but that was outside and we just didn’t get there.

The most interesting part of the day by far, were the two discussion panels we caught. The first, on running a successful on-line webcomic, was a little disappointing as the artist had gotten a last-minute slot in a much bigger convention in Vegas, so his wife was there with no props to give a talk on how to get advertising for your comic. They must be doing something right, because they make enough each month to pay their mortgage. They create the webcomic Shadowbinders, and we got some inspiraton for how to make our hobby pay.

The other panel was given by successful sci-fi author Chris Kennedy, who publishes through Amazon, and has made an astonishing sum of money in the last two years with the four books he’s written. He had some really good pointers, and I secured an interview with him, which I will be running in an upcoming article here on Republibot.

I also secured an interview with a member of the production team behind the Web series “Starship Farragut,” which will be published in the next few weeks as well.

To sum up; we both had fun at this convention. It was big enough to be interesting, yet small enough not to be overwhelming. It’s the very type of convention I’d recommend to anyone who wants to attend their first Con. The convention will also run Sunday, June 29, for anyone in the area who might want to attend, and it will be presented again next year.

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FEATURES OVERVIEW

Testimonials

I love Sci Fi Valley! It’s affordable, family friendly and has an inviting atmosphere for fans of all genres.

Craig Blake

Great con. For a small town area it is a huge con. Lots to do and see, and in general a great bunch of people. I am so looking forward to doing it again this year.

Krissy Martin

This is a first class event. Bring the kids and grandma too!

Tico Flores Kyle

I went last year and enjoyed it. Looking forward to this year.

Bill Richards

Last year was my first experience with cosplay as well as going to con and I was amazed at how many other people enjoyed con and the outfits that were created were awesome. Definitely going each day in a new outfit this year!

Corinna Ann Williams

I think it’s a fun convention and it’s good for the region!

Joshua Yahner

Wonderful group to work with as the Manager of their host hotel. We are excited for this year!

Jennifer Hartman

Love that we have a great local convention! Something for everyone to enjoy!!

Sherry N Matt

Last year was my first time to Sci-FI Valley Con. The staff was friendlier than other staff that I’ve met at other conventions. The vendors pleasant, and most of the other visitors were pleasant, too. I look forward to going to this convention again.

Megan Rankin

Wonderful staff and a truly fantastic Con experience, every year!

Cassandra Lynne

Attended from the beginning. So fun to watch it grow!

Patricia Kubanda Schutte

Sci-Fi Valley Con …
Great Show, Organized and professional.

John HaunArtist

This Con is awesomely run. A great group of staff and volunteers. The mix between vendors, panels, and art can’t be compared. For this be such a new Con and to have it grow quickly, KUDOS Casey! Well done!

Robbin Lewis-Hurley

It was Amazeballs!!!!!!!!!!!! I Met so many great people. Saw so many awesome thing. And, bought soooo much artwork and comics. Can’t wait to go!!

Iseeuseeme Gagnon

Attended 2 years in a row. It’s awesome. After the show everyone met up at the bowling alley and a lot of the guests showed up and bowled with us. Scifi Valley Con is one of the only, and the best Con for anything scifi, horror, comic, or entertainment. Will be attending again this year and every year after. This thing went from a small single floor gathering to a pretty large convention. It’s well worth the visit and the tickets cost way less than the actual value of the event. KEEP IT UP!

Nick Mcknight

Tons of fun, great people of ages. Costumes are amazing. Must see and event for the entire weekend.

Terry Penna

Loved it. 2014 was the first year I got to go and I wore my Godzilla costume down there. I had a blast and will plan on going back for 2015. Deffo highly recommend it!

Walt Wadsworth

One of the best cons ever I went to the last one and yes it was hot but it was great

Brian Detrick

Summer Camp for geeky kids- go out, have fun. This is a great time for everyone each year!

Jason LenoxArtist

Great show, such a good mix of friendly fans, guests and vendors, as well as panels and events. Lots to see and do, and an extraordinary good feeling to the whole event. Good job, Casey!

Jim KrutActor

I was supposed to volunteer last year but moved and never got the chance. I can’t wait for this year! So excited!!!

Serenity Rose

The Geek Girls from TheGeekGirlProject.com will be there! We’re looking forward to it!!!

Rebecca MillerTheGeekGirlProject.com

Last year was my first time at Sci-Fi Valley Con . I had a blast can’t wait for this year.

Jessica Beiswenger

So excited for this year!

Layla Geagon

Been going since it started, AWESOME con!

Jason Freehling

First time and I loved it…

Floyd Moore III

Absolutely love Sci-Fi Valley Con. This will be my second year attending and can’t wait for year three, four, and beyond! Looking forward to seeing familiar faces from last year. Expect to see me hovering around the Doctor Who cosplayers! Keep up the good work!

Justina Fuller

I went to both events so far. Had an awesome time! XD

Elizabeth Lukjanczuk

I went to the Second Con. Loved everything about it, from the vendors, to the guests, even the horror & sci fi fandoms. Even the performers. The wrestling wasn’t bad either. :p

Scott Allen Shiffler II

Such an awesome time. The staff were very friendly and helpful. Lots of awesome passionate cosplayers around!

Josh Curry

We really enjoyed the 2014 Sci-Fi Valley Con! Our only complaint is something they couldn’t really control, the heat upstairs. Other than that, it was a really awesome event! Looking forward to it next year and seeing how much more it grows in a bigger venue!!

Kathy Schock

Went last year (2014), and can’t wait to go this year (2015).

Andrew Sharp

This was my first year attending and I absolutely loved it! Can’t wait til next year 🙂

Tina McClellan

Great and fun atmosphere! Looking forward to coming again next year.

Jason Johnson

Sci-Fi Valley Con is quickly growing and also growing to a position where it could soon be my absolute favorite con around!

Chrissy L Seaman

One of the most professionally run events in our genre. The staff is courteous, the event is friendly, and the terms are more than fair. I look forward to this event every year… the fans are awesome, and we love them.

Rusty GilliganArtist

Have attended the past 2 years. What a great time. So much to see and do. Costumes of all kinds. They have writers, actors, artists, producers, and so much more. I am hooked! Go and find out for yourself how fun it is. The costume contest is a must see. They even display various cars that were created to match the one in the associated movie. What a fun time.

Sue Kimmick

Excellent show!!

Bill Gustkey Jr

As an artist this was one of my better shows. I will be there again this year see you there!

Paul MichaelsArtist

Best con in the area. Everything my friends and I go we have a blast. The film festival is fantastic and something none of the Pittsburgh cons offer. The artists are fantastic, the people running the con truly care about giving the guests the best bang for their buck, and the activities are fun. Truly a must stop for anyone who wants to have a good fun day or two.

Kevin Darragh

Had such a fun time. Can’t wait to next years con 😀

Dane McClellan

I went last year and it was amazing! I had a blast! I can’t wait to go again this summer!

Michael Kuntz

WE DO STUFF THERE AND IT’S SUPER FUN AND EVERYONE EVER SHOULD COME. BECAUSE. AWESOME. 😀

Lee DePiroGearbox Union

I went last year and it was SO MUCH FUN. I hear this year its twice as big, so I cant even imagine how great its going to be. SO EXCITED!

Paulie Johncola

I was uniquely impressed by the way Casey Bassett and his team ran this convention. This was my first visit to Sci-Fi Valley Con, and I do believe that myself, and the 1701st Fleet will be back in the future.